Album name: Own the Night
Label: Capitol Nashville
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Reviewed by: Alexandra Boisvert

It seems that Lady Antebellum gains more success just about every time they breathe. This holds true with their latest release Own the Night. Since its September 13th release, this album has been topping the iTunes charts, which is nothing new for this country trio. After the release of the first two singles, “Just a Kiss” and “We Owned the Night”, this has been a highly anticipated album, and for good reason. Once they gave sneak previews to the songs “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” and “Wanted You More”, the album became one of the most talked about releases in the music world. Lady A does not disappoint as the hype for this album was created for good reason.

The album kicks off with “We Owned the Night”, the second single released off the album. The concept of this song is one that they like to play with often in their songs. This is the idea of that perfect night with that special someone that people hold onto in their memory banks. The lyrics tell the story to an extent that listeners can almost put themselves in it.

The next song on the album was the first single released, “Just a Kiss”. This was the perfect choice for a first single because it showcases the skills that the trio has at harmonizing, along with powerful lyrics about a simple kiss goodnight. Along the same lines is the song “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”. This song is just about the thought of wondering what is going on in the life of someone you haven’t seen in a long time but once loved. Lady Antebellum has great talent when it comes to figuring out what’s going on in the heads of two people in love.

“Friday Night” is the more fun way to look at a romance. It’s the thought that you want to be the most enjoyable part of their week. The up-tempo melody goes along nicely with the fun and carefree lyrics.

To offset this idea is another song about looking back at the past. “When You Were Mine” is the recollection of the feelings that were once shared. However, while most artists would make it seem more melancholy, Lady A has a way of taking a lighter approach with an up-tempo feel.

“Cold As Stone” is a thought that anyone who’s been in a relationship can relate to. It’s the concept of being able to harden your heart so it didn’t break and wanting to be strong. The mix of beautiful lyrics and music causes this song to be powerful.

The next song is a welcome change with its happier lyrics. “Singing Me Home” is reminiscent of summer time with its production style.

“Wanted You More” and “As You Turn Away” are both songs about loss and heartbreak. It seems that the best lyrics come from pain and that is true with both of these songs. The lyrics “My heart was open, exposed and hoping for you to lay it on the line” from “Wanted You More” show the vulnerability that comes with waiting to see where a relationship is heading.

Then there’s “Love I’ve Found in You”. This has to be the most country- styled song on the entire album. For all the critics out there that say Lady Antebellum isn’t country, here is their response. They’re just as country as the rest of them.

“Somewhere Love Remains” is about those moments where someone is trying to walk away and you try and remind him or her of all the good times. It’s that desperate attempt to hold on to the relationship.

The last song on the album is “Heart of the World” which goes along with the concept that love makes the world go around.

Overall, Own the Night definitely lives up to all the hype. If there were any skeptics or critics of the band before, this album is sure to change their minds. If you happen to be walking through the store and see this album, be sure to pick up a copy. You’ll be glad you did.